Who are „Young Carers”? Analysis of the Use of the Term in German Speaking Countries and Development of a Definition / Wer sind Young Carers? Analyse der Begriffsverwendung im deutschsprachigen Raum und Entwicklung einer Definition

Abstract

Introduction Children and adolescents with caring responsibility who are looking after a family member or a person close are often hiding from the view of the public. They are not well recognised from professionals from health care, education and social services. Several research as well as support programmes have been initiated within the last years. It became obvious that the term ‘young carers’ was translated in various ways into German and connected with different attributes. An integral understanding is yet of high relevance for the international dialogue as well as for the transfer from theory to practice. Aim The aim of this article is to analyse and conceptualize the use of different terminologies for ‘young carers’ by professionals when providing support for these young people. A definition for the target population was developed for German speaking countries that will provide the groundwork for the scientific and public discourse. Methods A concept analysis by Walker und Avant (2014) was conducted. Results The analysis illustrated the various use of terms as well as defining key characteristics – the presence of an ill person that needs support, the age of these young people, the tasks they perform as well as the involved high responsibility. Discussion Not all children of family members or persons close who have an illness or impairment perform a support role. Only part of these young people take on caring tasks and provide support on a significant level. Conclusion The analysis showed the need for a clarification of the terms used in German speaking countries for ‘young carers’. A commonly applied definition enables an identification of the target group by professionals and the persons concerned. Additionally, it facilitates the alignment to the proceeding international discourse.

Caring in mind? Professionals’ awareness of young carers and young adult carers in Switzerland

“…Or, on the other hand, professionals do encounter young people with caring responsibilities although they do not have specific terms or labels for this distinct group. This could be a barrier in providing support, as a commonly applied terminology for the target population is of importance when working in an interdisciplinary network such as education, healthcare and/or social services (Frech et al., 2019; Joseph et al, 2020). In addition, this would also raise the question, if the variable ‘being familiar with the terminology’ should be used for measuring the construction of the variable awareness .…”

“…It can be assumed that professionals do encounter YC in their daily routine but do not realise that they form a distinct group as there is not yet any specific terminology used for this population in Switzerland. This lack of recognition can be diminished in introducing a commonly used terminology (Becker, 2000; Becker & Becker, 2008; Frech et al., 2019; Joseph et al, 2020). This is also in line with our previous findings from focus groups on professionals' awareness.…”

“…Prior study findings indicated that the following factors are important in order to raise the level of awareness of YC: information about the terminology, relevance of the issue of YC and ability to identify these young people. The methodology of the concept analysis of German definitions of YC (Frech et al., 2019) was applied to find French as well as Italian terms similar to the broader definition of YC. The questionnaire was developed in German, French and Italian.…”

Soziale Unterstützung für gesunde Geschwister – eine Frage der Perspektive

“…In einer Konzeptanalyse haben sich erstmalig Frech et al [8] der Einordnung des Begriffs für den deutschsprachigen Raum gewidmet und sich dabei an den Vorarbeiten von Becker [7] aus Großbritannien orientiert. Demnach handelt es sich um junge Menschen im Alter bis 18 Jahre, die eine oder mehrere Personen (beispielsweise Eltern, Geschwister) unterstützen, denen sie sich zugehörig und verbunden fühlen, wenn diese körperlich oder psychisch erkrankt, aufgrund von Sucht, Behinderung, Beeinträchtigung oder Pflegebedürftigkeit auf Hilfen angewiesen sind [8]. Sie tragen damit in einem bedeutsamen Ausmaß und über längere Zeit Verantwortung, die normalerweise von Erwachsenen übernommen wird [8].…”

“…Demnach handelt es sich um junge Menschen im Alter bis 18 Jahre, die eine oder mehrere Personen (beispielsweise Eltern, Geschwister) unterstützen, denen sie sich zugehörig und verbunden fühlen, wenn diese körperlich oder psychisch erkrankt, aufgrund von Sucht, Behinderung, Beeinträchtigung oder Pflegebedürftigkeit auf Hilfen angewiesen sind [8]. Sie tragen damit in einem bedeutsamen Ausmaß und über längere Zeit Verantwortung, die normalerweise von Erwachsenen übernommen wird [8]. Neben auf die Krankheit bezogenen Unterstützungsleistungen medizinischer und therapeutischer Art reichen diese von emotional-psychosozialen bis hin zu körperbezogenen Hilfen [8].…”